The historical significance of the Civil War is especially potent in West Virginia, since it marks the period in history that gave birth to this state. Just like the rest of the country, West Virginia’s loyalty was divided. Some believed in the Union cause, others believed in Confederate ideals. One town that became a hotbed of divided loyalties was Guyandotte, West Virginia. In fact, the conflict became so heated that the town almost didn’t survive the first year of the war. But it did survive, and the residents of Guyandotte have not forgotten why.
In 1861, the state of Virginia was torn in two, mirroring the similar split between the union and the confederacy. Its populace was divided and broken. This would become a permanent split when West Virginia was established in 1863.
This split occurred on an even smaller level within the small population of Guyandotte, once a town in its own right before being annexed by Huntington, which would not exist until a decade after the war. In July of the same year, a regiment of Union soldiers entered the busy port town and set up a recruitment camp. Unions Flags were prominently displayed and the townspeople swore oaths to the Union forces, seemingly pleased to uphold their cause. But not all were pleased.
By November, confederate regiments had moved into western Virginia, intent on seizing control of Union controlled areas.
On the evening of November 10, 1861, it was Guyandotte’s turn. It was around 8 p.m., well after dark, when the confederates raided the town, catching the soldiers off guard. Before many residents even knew what was going on, the dark streets were alight with gunfire, the silence replaced by piercing blasts of gunfire. Many townspeople ran for cover, but not all. Many aided the confederates, leading soldiers to where Union supporting citizens were hiding. Some even took up arms and fought with the confederates.
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Before long, the city was in the hands of the confederacy.
The next morning, as confederate troops were leading a long line of chained prisoners out of town, a steamer passed along the Ohio River loaded with a regiment of Union troops.
After a brief exchange of gunfire, and a massive cannon blast that barreled through a house, the steamer pushed ahead to a nearby port and the regiment disembarked, bound for Guyandotte. Upon arrival, they learned that several citizens had helped the confederates take the town. This enraged the men to the point that they decided to burn the town. The men angrily made their way through the streets, pounding on doors and dragging people out of their homes before setting them ablaze.
But not everyone was inclined to leave their home.
One such person was Mary Carroll, who absolutely refused to step out of the house she shared with her husband and children. At her door, she stood her ground against the troops, who eventually left. Frustrated, they burned Mary’s barn instead. Unfortunately, they were not aware that Mary had rented the barn to the Union troops stationed there, so the troops actually ended up burning their own supplies.
By the time the anger in the troops’ blood had cooled, two-thirds of the town was burning uncontrollably.
This might have destroyed some towns, when it might be easier to leave than try to rebuild. But Guyandotte did not become a ghost town. The residents rebuilt and brought their city back from the brink. Today, the residents of Guyandotte keep the past alive every November during Guyandotte Civil War Days; a five day event to commemorate the raid, culminating with a two day re-enactment of the battle, complete with live firearms and cannons. Obviously, no ammunition is used, but none is needed to produce the blasts created by gunpowder and a spark. Through this reenactment, the past is not lost and the residents of Guyandotte can take a moment to understand what happened and make sure that the town is never divided again.
A few of the buildings that survived the fire still stand today, such as the Madie Carroll House, now a museum and staging ground for the final portion of the reenactment. This reenactment, like so many others across the country, exists because their organizers understand the fundamental importance of past events. The Civil War shaped the nation as it exists today, and has forever marked our remembrance of history and how it led us to the present. In keeping the past alive, we are constantly reminded not to repeat it.
Did anything historical happen in the town or city where you live? We would love to hear about it; feel free to leave a comment below and join the discussion.
To learn more about the history of West Virginia, check out these 7 historical villages that preserve the past.
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